MIT Women's Soccer

MIT Drops 1-0 Decision to Worcester StateThe MIT Women's Soccer Team (2-1) suffered its first defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon in a tough 1-0 overtime defeat to Worcester State College (3-0). Worcester State was an NCAA Tournament participant in 2004 and 2005.

Played on the turf at Worcester State, it was a hard fought game from start to finish with both teams battling it out on a warm September day. MIT carried large stretches of the game with some good possession and ball movement and had the majority of the chances, but Worcester State hung in and put the game awaylate into the first overtime period.

The game marked the return of senior captain and goaltender Kat Vater, who relieved freshman Julia Roberts of her temporary goalkeeping duties. It was great to have Kat's confident and vocal leadership back on the field and her presence rubbed off on the team. Kat turned aside several solid scoring bids from Worcester State, including a couple of tough shots and some very dangerous free kick attempts. She finished the game with seven saves.

Though it was a tough result in the end, the team played well and had the better scoring opportunities, only to be thwarted by Worcester State's experienced senior captain goalkeeper, Kim Massa, who has not given up a goal this season in three victories.

The dangerous duo of junior forward Amy Ludlum and freshman forward Liz Theurer was kept off the scoreboard despite solid efforts. Amy had several good shots on frame and Liz was stopped cold by Massa on a breakaway bid late in the second half.

Julia, starting in the midfield after her stint in goal, freshman Katie Pesce, sophomore Andrea Bradshaw and subs junior Janine Hopmans and sophomore Kat Routhier battled hard in the midfield all game, dealing with some very quick Worcester State players. Senior Andrea Staid was impressive in a makeshift role as outside back, filling in for junior defender Karen Davie, who missed the game. Senior Chi-Fong Wang and senior Mary Harding were solid as always in the center of the backline, and sophomore defender Jody Wu turned in another strong effort.

Though disappointed in the overtime loss, the team is keeping its heads up and will look to continue the season's good start with a game at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth on Tuesday, September 12.

***Player of the Match***MIT's midfield leader senior Ashleigh Leonard turned in a great effort on Saturday against some physical defensive competition. Ash was dominant in the air all game and had several tremendous scoring bids stolen away from her, including a great header off a corner kick that was just corralled by Worcester State's GK Massa on the line and a rocket of a shot from about 12 yards out that was headed off the line by a Worcester State defender. Her tenacity kept the team in the game and playing hard throughout the 97-minute battle.